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Mystic Brews #2
Tall, Dark and Troll: A Witch & Ghost Mystery
She takes her java black and her killers convicted. But can she unmask a murderer before she’s ground to pieces? Witchy barista April Storm is fighting to get her new coffee roaster up to snuff while keeping her quaint Welsh community’s magic under wraps. So when two hikers stumble upon a corpse, she races in with her supernatural abilities to bring things to a swift close. But she’s certain trouble is percolating in her precious pixie town when the body and its spirit suddenly go up in steam. With the Fae Queen’s top official expected for a visit, April’s under high pressure to wrap the case up quickly and preserve the town’s reputation. But with her foe always one sip ahead, she’ll need help from her sarcastic feline familiar, spy-assassin bestie, and ex-boyfriend’s ghost to brew up an industrial-strength solution. Can April serve up a hot cup of justice before she becomes the next item on the killer’s menu? Tall, Dark and Troll is the second book in the charming Welsh Witch cozy mystery series. If you like demonic double-crosses, secretly magical towns, and heroines with a ragtag group of allies, then you’ll love Alyn Troy’s quirky tale. Buy Tall, Dark and Troll for an extra shot of thrills today!
242 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2020
217 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Alyn Troy
40 books129 followersAlyn Troy is an American from the Midwest (Indiana) who writes The Mystic Brews and Pixie Twist series of Paranormal Cozy Mysteries. In addition to Indiana, he's lived in Southern California, where the Pixie Twist series is set, and has served as a history docent on a notable pier in SoCal. In his past lives, he's been a journalist, a wedding photographer, and an adjunct professor.
Alyn gets assistance from his fuzzy familiar (AKA "Lord Fuzzbutt"). When not helping his human with the writing of paranormal cozy mysteries, Lord Fuzzbutt likes to sit out outside and watch the hummingbirds dart about like pixies. He often yowls at the door, waiting to head to the patio for chipmunk duty. Fortunately, the little rodents are craftier than Fuzzbutt is.
Alyn's beverage of choice is dark roast coffee with a dash of honey, and a splash of half-n-half. In addition to being half-way competent with his home espresso machine, Alyn makes a mean Mai Tai.
Alyn gets assistance from his fuzzy familiar (AKA "Lord Fuzzbutt"). When not helping his human with the writing of paranormal cozy mysteries, Lord Fuzzbutt likes to sit out outside and watch the hummingbirds dart about like pixies. He often yowls at the door, waiting to head to the patio for chipmunk duty. Fortunately, the little rodents are craftier than Fuzzbutt is.
Alyn's beverage of choice is dark roast coffee with a dash of honey, and a splash of half-n-half. In addition to being half-way competent with his home espresso machine, Alyn makes a mean Mai Tai.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 9, 2020
Dear Alyn
Ye gods, I wish I had half your imagination! I love, love, love your stories and the quirky characters and all the fabulous things that happen to them. It all follows so logically (as it should), but with so many surprises.
Again, though, a few observations. I would suggest you find out the difference between wainscot and waistcoat (hint, you don't wear the first one). And I really wanted to know why Monique wanted to live so long and how long she'd lived. Unless these things will be explained in future books, in which case, please foreshadow this. And I would strongly suggest getting an English, or even better, Welsh person to check through your speech idioms if you can. I'm happy to offer my help with this if you don't have access to a Welsh reader.
Thank you for writing these very fun and fascinating books. In difficult times, it's so good to find something to read that doesn't take itself or the world too seriously and makes you smile. Looking forward to reading the third in the series!
Ye gods, I wish I had half your imagination! I love, love, love your stories and the quirky characters and all the fabulous things that happen to them. It all follows so logically (as it should), but with so many surprises.
Again, though, a few observations. I would suggest you find out the difference between wainscot and waistcoat (hint, you don't wear the first one). And I really wanted to know why Monique wanted to live so long and how long she'd lived. Unless these things will be explained in future books, in which case, please foreshadow this. And I would strongly suggest getting an English, or even better, Welsh person to check through your speech idioms if you can. I'm happy to offer my help with this if you don't have access to a Welsh reader.
Thank you for writing these very fun and fascinating books. In difficult times, it's so good to find something to read that doesn't take itself or the world too seriously and makes you smile. Looking forward to reading the third in the series!
March 31, 2020
Like a Master Weavery Alyn Troy spins a storyline like no other, so many threads when pulled together make one wonderful story,
We are back in the Welsh Valleys with Ebrel (Or April to her American mundane family) now firmaly ensconced in her Aunt Roshyn's cafe making caramel tornadoes for the pixies (yup Pixies) there's a lot going on, the Mayor is working hard to bring his Fae Grand Prix to reality but the Fae Queen, has sent one of her Ministers to see if the village infrastructure is such to cope with the race, but the Valley is without a Troll to fix the bridges, and some mundane hikers come to the cafe with video of a dead hiker under a rockfall then to top all that off Pixies are going missing, but who is taking them and why?
I would love to see a glossary at the end with the Welsh words and how to pronounce them in English
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, it is a new series but is fast becoming a favourite. roll on book 3 I can not wait!
We are back in the Welsh Valleys with Ebrel (Or April to her American mundane family) now firmaly ensconced in her Aunt Roshyn's cafe making caramel tornadoes for the pixies (yup Pixies) there's a lot going on, the Mayor is working hard to bring his Fae Grand Prix to reality but the Fae Queen, has sent one of her Ministers to see if the village infrastructure is such to cope with the race, but the Valley is without a Troll to fix the bridges, and some mundane hikers come to the cafe with video of a dead hiker under a rockfall then to top all that off Pixies are going missing, but who is taking them and why?
I would love to see a glossary at the end with the Welsh words and how to pronounce them in English
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, it is a new series but is fast becoming a favourite. roll on book 3 I can not wait!
July 5, 2020
Fae-d out
The population of pixies of Misty Valley in Wales seems to be declining. Every day more are gone. American transplant barista, Enbrel, works with her Aunt Rose at Mystic Brews. She's also a fledgling witch. She & BFF/MI-13 super agent, Elain, try to figure out why the pixies are vanishing. Add a new troll and an anti-pixie farmhand plus a visit from sinister High Minister Monique von Underbeak & her creepy servants, things are taking a dangerous turn. Will Enbrel figure out what's happening & who's behind it before all the pixies are gone?
Alyn Troy has upped her game in this second Welsh Witch Mystery novel. I'm already looking forward to more adventures in Misty Valley.
The population of pixies of Misty Valley in Wales seems to be declining. Every day more are gone. American transplant barista, Enbrel, works with her Aunt Rose at Mystic Brews. She's also a fledgling witch. She & BFF/MI-13 super agent, Elain, try to figure out why the pixies are vanishing. Add a new troll and an anti-pixie farmhand plus a visit from sinister High Minister Monique von Underbeak & her creepy servants, things are taking a dangerous turn. Will Enbrel figure out what's happening & who's behind it before all the pixies are gone?
Alyn Troy has upped her game in this second Welsh Witch Mystery novel. I'm already looking forward to more adventures in Misty Valley.
March 24, 2024
Ebrel is once again in the thick of magic mysteries. A mundane couple come into the cafe with film of someone buried under a rock fall. But, when they went looking, no one was there! This calls for camera & memory “wipes”! Then they discover a troll. More fun & games. The Troll, Ted, has broken his crystal that disguises him. So Io helps make a new one & Ted is very welcome in the valley, as trolls do all the repair work on bridges & roads. The Fae Queen’s minister arrives to give the roads needed for the race the “okay”. She’s ancient & into dark magic & wants Ebril to help her with something. All the while, pixies are going missing which is upsetting to all. Amazingly Punkin comes to the rescue on a couple of occasions. I love that cat!
February 7, 2025
April, Aunt Rose and the Mystic Brews family have alllll kinds of magically delicious surprises popping up for them, as well as some nasty ones brewing behind the scenes in the wilds of their Welsh hometown.
Someone is taking the Pixies, and with the addition of their new troll mending the bridges, the seemingly evil visitor from the Queens government and all kinds of strange magical unexplainable issues happening, it IS a wild time in the Welsh hometown for everyone.
A fun read, delightful characters with a surprising and entertaining ending and an absolutely worthwhile read
Someone is taking the Pixies, and with the addition of their new troll mending the bridges, the seemingly evil visitor from the Queens government and all kinds of strange magical unexplainable issues happening, it IS a wild time in the Welsh hometown for everyone.
A fun read, delightful characters with a surprising and entertaining ending and an absolutely worthwhile read
March 12, 2023
Exceptionally fantastic!
Do I see a romance brewing between April and Jason? I hope so! Really enjoyed this story line. Had me reading so fast my eyes found it hard to keep up. It was extremely difficult to put my Kindle down to even take a break for my eyes. Punkin is my favorite supernatural character in this series, but now I find myself liking Ted, the troll. I'm definitely going to continue with this series. So much fun to read!
Do I see a romance brewing between April and Jason? I hope so! Really enjoyed this story line. Had me reading so fast my eyes found it hard to keep up. It was extremely difficult to put my Kindle down to even take a break for my eyes. Punkin is my favorite supernatural character in this series, but now I find myself liking Ted, the troll. I'm definitely going to continue with this series. So much fun to read!
April 24, 2020
Where are the pixies?
Ebrel runs the coffee shop in an enchanted village in Wales. She lives with her Bff, who is part of MI - 13, the magical part of her majesty 's secret service. News from tourists of a dead hiker, buried under a rock fall. A Pixie goes missing. A new troll comes to the valley. A humble shepard, who hates pixies, and more pixies disappear. Read and enjoy!
Ebrel runs the coffee shop in an enchanted village in Wales. She lives with her Bff, who is part of MI - 13, the magical part of her majesty 's secret service. News from tourists of a dead hiker, buried under a rock fall. A Pixie goes missing. A new troll comes to the valley. A humble shepard, who hates pixies, and more pixies disappear. Read and enjoy!
November 6, 2022
Wonderful read!!
This was a another great book in the series! I love all the characters. This book was funny, cute and mysterious. There was great world building and wonderful characters. I was expecting who the bad guy was to be. The audio book was amazing! I plan to read more from her. She did great with all the accents and added laughs and yawns!
This was a another great book in the series! I love all the characters. This book was funny, cute and mysterious. There was great world building and wonderful characters. I was expecting who the bad guy was to be. The audio book was amazing! I plan to read more from her. She did great with all the accents and added laughs and yawns!
May 3, 2020
Wow!
They often say that a sequel is never as good as the original but I have to disagree with that regarding this series. I finished the second book in under a day & am waiting eagerly to see what Ebril & her friends have to fight off in the next book!
They often say that a sequel is never as good as the original but I have to disagree with that regarding this series. I finished the second book in under a day & am waiting eagerly to see what Ebril & her friends have to fight off in the next book!
December 28, 2020
Tall, Dark and Troll
A wonderful exciting book. I loved all the characters. This is the first book I have read by author Alyn Troy. But it definitely won't be my last.
Loved reading...
A wonderful exciting book. I loved all the characters. This is the first book I have read by author Alyn Troy. But it definitely won't be my last.
Loved reading...
May 10, 2021
Cute!
I am loving this supernatural cozy mystery series. I’m partial to the snarky, coffee bean eating cat. He speaks my language! All the characters are pretty vivid. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I am loving this supernatural cozy mystery series. I’m partial to the snarky, coffee bean eating cat. He speaks my language! All the characters are pretty vivid. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
October 9, 2021
Dropping it from 4 stars to 3 because I really enjoyed the story but the book desperately needs a proofreader. I try not to be too persnickety when I'm not working, but there are so many errors it's distracting.
September 28, 2024
another enjoyable mystery
Second in a series of magical mysteries with interesting new characters. Definitely enjoying the magic learning of the main character while she explores her new powers.
Second in a series of magical mysteries with interesting new characters. Definitely enjoying the magic learning of the main character while she explores her new powers.
April 11, 2020
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this latest book of yours and I am really looking forward to many many more in the future.
I really enjoyed this latest book of yours and I am really looking forward to many many more in the future.
May 15, 2020
Good book
I enjoy this set of books however the names being so foreign to me make it hardto keep up with who is who.
I enjoy this set of books however the names being so foreign to me make it hardto keep up with who is who.
April 19, 2021
Interesting and different
January 7, 2022
Fun fantasy cozy
This is a cut cozy series. I like characters. I like fantasy aspect as well. Interesting use of Welsh. Fun fairy or fae folk. Definitely a bit different.
This is a cut cozy series. I like characters. I like fantasy aspect as well. Interesting use of Welsh. Fun fairy or fae folk. Definitely a bit different.
April 26, 2022
This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
May 31, 2022
I’ve had so much fun reading this series! I really like the characters, especially Ted! I think the author has a great imagination and I have just enjoyed reading this book!
June 11, 2022
FANTASTIC
I COULDNT STOP READING.CANT WAIT TO FIND AND READ ALL THE OTHER BOOKS.ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE FOUND SO FAR.
I COULDNT STOP READING.CANT WAIT TO FIND AND READ ALL THE OTHER BOOKS.ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE FOUND SO FAR.
June 23, 2022
I loved this book. It was full of of our favorite characters trying to solve a huge mystery.
August 1, 2022
Perfectly dark!
A great, fast paced story, full of captivating characters and some perfectly witty interaction! This is a series difficult to resist!
A great, fast paced story, full of captivating characters and some perfectly witty interaction! This is a series difficult to resist!
November 23, 2022
Another good brew
A toast to another good read!! Talk, Dark and Troll does not disappoint!! Alum Troy characters continue to bring a smile to your face and questions of who did it!
A toast to another good read!! Talk, Dark and Troll does not disappoint!! Alum Troy characters continue to bring a smile to your face and questions of who did it!
January 17, 2026
Relaxing,quick read
Had time to kill as I waited on a plumber to replace my water heater, thoroughly enjoyed this as it kept me engaged and my mind off the expense
Had time to kill as I waited on a plumber to replace my water heater, thoroughly enjoyed this as it kept me engaged and my mind off the expense
June 29, 2022
Great read
Despite only recently realizing magic is real, April is acclimating quickly and solving numerous mysteries popping up in her new home.
Despite only recently realizing magic is real, April is acclimating quickly and solving numerous mysteries popping up in her new home.
March 29, 2020
I'm loving this series! It has everything you're looking for in a cozy mystery- humour, friendship (maybe even hints of romance), and of course...mystery! It was fun to come up with theories along the way. I'm already excited for book 3!
March 28, 2022
This is the second instalment of these series , and as I've read book 1 as well : I'm pleased to see that the main character April is growing in both her work as a barista ánd as a witch . This book is a little more on the dark side as to the usual cozy mysteries, but not so dark that it will give you nightmares. This time she has a lot on her hands .......a missing hiker, pixies gone awol, and a not so nice minister sticking her haunty nose in the day to day live in Misty Valley .............she 's after something, somebody ? And where did that Troll come from ? It twist and turns
but leave it to April and her Scooby-doo gang to put things in order
*Finished the book in 1 sitting ...and my coffee got cold ;)
but leave it to April and her Scooby-doo gang to put things in order
*Finished the book in 1 sitting ...and my coffee got cold ;)
December 31, 2022
This is the second instalment of these series , and as I've read book 1 as well : I'm pleased to see that the main character April is growing in both her work as a barista ánd as a witch . This book is a little more on the dark side as to the usual cozy mysteries, but not so dark that it will give you nightmares. This time she has a lot on her hands .......a missing hiker, pixies gone awol, and a not so nice minister sticking her haunty nose in the day to day live in Misty Valley .............she 's after something, somebody ? And where did that Troll come from ? It twist and turns
but leave it to April and her Scooby-doo gang to put things in order
*Finished the book in 1 sitting ...and my coffee got cold ;)
but leave it to April and her Scooby-doo gang to put things in order
*Finished the book in 1 sitting ...and my coffee got cold ;)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews